James R. (Randy) Little of Milton Georgia has been selected as the Honorary Starter for 16th Petit Le Mans powered by Mazda.Little's entry was chosen as part of the "Wave the Green Flag" contest in which fans described in 50 words or less why they love the Petit Le Mans.

"We literally had hundreds of entries worthy of being selected for this honor," stated Road Atlanta President & General Manager Geoff Lee. "We are grateful for our devoted fans and confident James will represent all of them well when he waves the green flag to start the 16th Petit Le Mans powered by Mazda and salute the American Le Mans Series on its 147th and final race. Having a fan start the final ALMS race is a very appropriate way to close the ALMS series which was founded on the motto "for the fans".

Little's winning entry stated: "Two things have raised the hair on my neck and quickened my pulse in anticipation: Piloting a venerable Huey on combatassaults in Vietnam [and] the sudden appearance of 40+ race cars coming under the bridge down the hill to Turn 12- engines wailing in full song."

Little served in Vietnam as a helicopter pilot with the A Troop 3/17th Air Cavalry. He began attending races at Road Atlanta in the mid-1970s and competed in SCCA races here in the early 1980s. "As an avid fan, I can't count the number of races I have seen at Road Atlanta… I'm guess close to 100 or maybe even more."

In addition to being the Honorary Starter, Little will receive a complete VIP experience from Road Atlanta and the American Le Mans Series presented by Tequila Patrón, including a hot pit and TV truck tour, Vitesse Track Ride and Le Mans Club Access.

"I am speechless - I didn't think I had even a remote chance to win," stated Little. "To say I'm excited is a tremendous understatement. I look forward to what will be a lifelong memory."